Macheda: "Ferguson is like a father to me"

When you say the name Federico Macheda, the vast majority of fans will immediately think back to the Italian's blistering first-team debut for Manchester United. It was back in 2009, when Sir Alex Ferguson threw him on against Aston Villa in the Premier League.

On that occasion, Macheda clinched a crucial comeback for United with a stoppage-time goal, having come on in the 60th minute. He pulled off a similar feat a week later against Sunderland, that time only taking a minute to get on the scoresheet.

Since then, however, the striking starlet's career has drifted, as he has spent several seasons on loan in pursuit of playing time. Though he is still on United's books, he has played for Sampdoria, Queens Park Rangers and Stuttgart, where he is currently, over the last few years.

MARCA.com caught up with Macheda and heard all about the Italian's special bond with the man who has nurtured his development: Sir Alex Ferguson.

"I feel good here [at Stuttgart]. This is a big club with a great squad. At the moment, everything's going great. I'm being given more and more chances in the team and I think I'll get even more minutes in the future".

"Sir Alex Ferguson is keeping track on me and we've kept in touch. He's helping me a lot and I'm really happy to have his guidance. He's the best manager in the world and he's like a father to me. I was very young when I arrived in Manchester and he gave me a lot of support. It's thanks to him that I'm here now", Macheda claimed.

The young Italian is refusing to be drawn on his future. When asked about making the grade at Manchester United, he stated: "My aim right now is to play more regularly. We'll see what happens after that in June".